Note the examples of gear mentioned is not an endorsement but rather a guide. There are many other excellent manufacturers. We encourage you to hire and borrow as much gear as you can. Doing the course and talking to other club members will provide you valuable advice before taking the financial plunge.

Newmarket's the place to shop where you have Bivouac, Outfitters, Macpac and Living Simply all within less than a kilometre.

Remember, we will have an evening where all this is discussed and special discounts are offered before the course so hold off until then.

Climbing helmet - REQUIRED

EXAMPLES

Black Diamond

Petzl

Mountaineering Tools

Boots

If you're going to spend money on something make it boots. Having stiff soled mountaineering boots for this course is a must. Ensure you try out, get properly fitted and research a bunch of options before buying.

EXAMPLES

La Sportiva

Salewa

Scarpa

Boots can be hired from Living Simply.

Ice axE

A lightweight straight-shaft axe with classic alpine shape pick (approx 65cm long) is sufficient for the course but is more suited for glacier travel & non-technical (ie low snow slope angled) terrain.If you want an axe that is more of an all rounder, look at getting a 50cm heavier axe (eg Black Diamond Venom, Grivel Air Tech). Very technical ice climbing tools are generally not suitable. Contact us if you are unsure.

Black Diamond Venom,

Grivel Air Tech

Can be hired from NZAC.

Crampons

Must be compatible with your boots, check the bindings. If you have any doubts any of the instructors can check this for you.

Black Diamond

Petzl

Grivel

Can be hired from NZAC, Black Diamond Seracs freshly purchased in 2015.

Pack

EXAMPLES

Clothing

HARDSHELL JACKET

A hard shell will be both waterproof and windproof . If sustained rain conditions might occur, there is no replacement for a waterproof hard shell.

What to look for: Gortex or Pertex fabric, helmet compatible hood, pit zips, high pockets that wont get in the way of aharness and long enough to fit under a harness. Large enough that multiple layers can fit underneath, but not so large it cant trapheat against your body

EXAMPLES

Arc’teryx Alpha SV - Bivouac

Rab Latok Alpine - Outfitters

Prophet - Macpac

If you've got a waterproof jacket already then use that.

BASE LAYER

A base layer is the layer closest to your skin, meaning it collects the most sweat. The purpose of this layer is to keep you dry bypulling moisture away from your skin and spreading it throughout the fabric. At the same time this fabric should fit snugly and retainsome insulating properties. Never wear cotton as a base layer.

What to look for: Snug fit; Synthetic or wool.

Long sleeve top and longjohns

2 x tops

1 x long johns

EXAMPLES

Icebreaker base layers - Bivouac

Rab Meco base layers - Outfitters

Prothermal base layers - Macpac

Arc'teryx Phase AR - Bivouac

Mid Layer

The purpose of the mid-layer is to capture warmth through trapped air. Typically a mid- layer is a fleece or a thick wool layer. A mid-layer usually has some loft to it to help trap the warm air, but is also breatheable so it is not suffocating and sweat-causing underneath ashell or outer layer.

What to look for: Full length zip to make it easier to take on and off with a helmet on; Hood; Snug fit over baselayer.

Fleece or Thick Wool

Insulated Jackets

An insulation layer, whether synthetic or down, provides extra loft and warmth. Down works best in dry snow conditions but does not perform well when wet as it will not retain its warmth.

EXAMPLES

Rab Microlight Alpine - Outfitters

Pulsar - Macpac

Outdoor Research Transcendent - Bivouac

Softshell pants

Softshell pants work well when you are moving fast and working up a sweat on fine days or when you are above the freezing level. Theyshed snow well and a more breathable than hardshell pants but only water resistant.

EXAMPLES

Gaiters

Gaiters keep the loose snow out of your boots and also protect your expensive pants from being destroyed by your crampons.

What to look for: Tall design; Durable construction able to withstand repetitive damage; Top closure; Under boot strap or wire; Lace hook; Front or side closure preferable; Slim fit

EXAMPLES

Rab Latok Alpine gaiter - Outfitters

Outdoor Research Crocodiles - Bivouac

Gloves

Gloves are a must at all times when on snow, which makes having a few pairs of different types worthwhile. Having a thinner liner glovewith a larger waterproof glove or mitt over the top is ideal for warmth and also the dexterity of just a liner if needed.

What to look for: Snug fit; Fleece, merino or polypropylene liner; Gortex over glove or mitt with insulation such as primaloft; A spare pair in case one gets wet; Wrist tensioning straps; Idiot cords - So not to loose a glove if dropped, these can be madefrom 3mm cord if nessasary.

Three kinds for different purposes.

Waterproof outer-shell with removable fleece or woollen liners, preferably Gore-Tex or similar. Could be an overmitt.

1 - 2 sets of Polypropylene liners

OTHER CLOTHING

Socks

Warm enough for 4 season use. If prone to blisters or cold feet consider a liner sock and a warm outer sock. Bring at least two pair.

Headwear

Warm Hat -Must fit under helmet

Sunhat -No caps with button on the top;

Buff or neck gaiter - Primaloft; Merino wool; Ideally not cotton

Accessories

SUN BLOCK

Essential when moving over snow.

Sunglasses and goggles

Both are required. Sunglasses should be cat 3, preferably 4 with good side protection.

Small first aid kit

Blister tape / strapping tape

Painkillers

Please make sure you bring any medication that you may need with you (Asthma puffer, epi-pen)

Compass, pencil or Pen

We will be using these for course activities. Ensure the compass is appropriate for use with a topo map. We will provide a waterproof NZAC branded notepad.

Pack liner

Can be heavy duty plastic bags.

Lodge gear

SLEEPING BAG

Medium weight, 2-3 Seasons, approximately 550 – 750gms. Down or synthetic equivalent will suffice. Sleeping bag warmth ratings are very subjective. If you feel the cold, choose a warmer bag. We will be staying in a lodge for the duration of this course, however if you are buying you might want to consider something warmer and more appropriate for the snow caving trip and such.

All suggested retailers have their own selection of appropriate sleeping bags.

Toilet bag, pack towel, gel hand sanitiSer

There are no showers in the lodge.

Optional

Hut clothes & shoes

Thermos - carry hot drink while out of the mountain.

Wet wipes for hygiene

Hut clothes & shoes

Camera

Ear plugs (for sleeping in the hut with potential snorers!)

The club provides group gear: ropes, snow-stakes, group first aid kits, snow shovels, probes, avalanche transceivers and emergency shelter (‘Bothy Bags’). The lodge has cutlery, cups, plates and cooking utensils.

Hirage ContactsThe NZAC hires out ice axes, ice hammers, crampons helmets, and harnesses. Contact our gear officer for hire gear for the course by email: gear@aucklandclimber.org.nzOther items such as harnesses as well as ice axes & crampons may be hired from other clubs and shops. Contact them directly to find out more: